THE ACTING-PREMIER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 96, 13 June 1911, Page 5

THE ACTING-PREMIER.

(Per Press Association.) Carterton, June 13. The' Acting-Premier, accompanied by the Hon. A. T. Ngata, was present at a Liberal social in Caiterton last night. He received a hearty reception, and delivered.a short address, ormcipally dealing witn Opposition criticism. He claimed that tho Liberal policy was consistent and progressive lor the twenty years the party had been in power. 1 lie Opposition had gone through many phases. First it was the great Conservative party ; then it was the National Association; then tho Reform Party; and now the only true Liberal party. The Opposition had termed Mr. Ballanco and his party the seven devils of Socialism. They now sided with Mr. Ballanco as a'noble, self-reliant man, who did great good. The Opposition said Mr. Seddou was galloping to a deficit and ruining the country. Now they said Mr. Seddou was a great and strong man whose work benefited New Zealand. The Opposition said the Waul Government was hyprocritieal and dishonest. A future Opposition probably would refer to them as the noble men of 1911. The Opposition. had opposed all liberal measures, and now claimed credit for initiating some and improving others, and would not repeal any. Mr. Massey had said chat trie Native Minister was doing no good, and should bo removed, as in impediment to progress. Air. Carroll claimed to have consolidated the native land laws, introduced the boaid system, put the native lands on a footing with Crown lands, secured proper valuation, settled 1,700,000 acres of native land in live or six years, settled last year 344,000 acres, i.74,0U0 by sale and 170,000 by lease. Yet Mr. Massey said he was doing noJring. He referred to Taumarunni and To Kiriti on the Main Trpnk Line as once native lands, now municipalities, arid lately a pastoral show was held, with hundreds present where there were only ten persons some three years ago. Was that not progress ? Mr. Massey knew nothing about native lands. Ho only indulged in vague generalities. He challenged Mr. Massey to say where the six million acres of waste native lands acre that ho was so fond of talking about. The statement was,absolutely untrue. Tho Government was not a class Government. It legislated for all small farmers, workers, and tho whole people. There was no need to pull down flic Liberal banner now. AII >.!iunl:l strengthen it and do their share to help it for tho progress of the country they all loved so much. (Applause.) air. Ngata gave a short address. He urged young electors to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Opposition Were putting on Liberal clothes, and begging to ho out in power. They would not repeal any legislation. They only wanted to administer. The Liljprals-had not changed. Lot them beware of wojves. The social was a great success, a large number being present.